Encouraging kids to develop virtues with a little help from the Community of Saints

Sunday, February 23, 2014

February 23: Saint Polycarp

History

Polycarp lived at the same time as
the Apostles. He was one of Saint John’s disciples, and he eventually became
bishop of Smyrna. When he was 86, soldiers were sent to arrest him. Polycarp
fed them a meal and asked for some time to pray. Then he spent two hours
praying for everybody he had ever known. Polycarp was taken to the arena to be
burned to death, but a miracle happened. When the fire was lit, the flames
arched around him, and he seemed to glow like gold being melted. Finally, a
soldier stabbed him.

Activity

Saint Polycarp was such a holy man,
people knew it was an honor when he prayed for them. Today, pray this prayer,
asking Saint Polycarp to pray for you.